bust 'em up
Meaning: laugh really hard
Meaning
Usage: This phrase describes a strong, uncontrollable reaction to something funny. It signifies a complete loss of composure due to laughter, often resulting in tears or physical contortions. It's a common expression used in Pidgin to emphasize the intensity of amusement.
Examples
"Dat story made me bust 'em up"
"We was busting 'em up all night"
"His dancing made everyone bust 'em up"
"Eh, da joke so funny, I almost bust 'em up!"
"She tell story 'bout da dog, an' we all bust 'em up, brah."
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: The phrase likely evolved from the English phrase 'bust up,' meaning to break or fall apart, combined with the Pidgin emphasis on expressive language. It reflects the importance of humor and shared laughter in Hawaiian culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bust 'em up" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"bust 'em up" means "laugh really hard" in Hawaiian Pidgin. This phrase describes a strong, uncontrollable reaction to something funny. It signifies a complete loss of composure due to laughter, often resulting in tears or physical contortions. It's a common expression used in Pidgin to emphasize the intensity of amusement..
How do you pronounce "bust 'em up"?
"bust 'em up" is pronounced "bust-em-UP". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "bust 'em up" in a sentence?
Example: "Dat story made me bust 'em up"
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
buss laff
laugh hard, crack up, burst out laughing
erking me
irritating me, annoying me, bothering me
stay stoked
be excited, be happy, be enthusiastic
habuteru
pout, be in a bad mood, grumpy
zonked
very tired, exhausted, passed out
all salty
angry, bitter
Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"Negative sentences in Pidgin often use 'never' for past tense, as in 'I never see him' (I didn't see him)."
Local Culture Fact
"Many Pidgin words have roots in Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian."
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